70-GHz VNA + 2-Port Test Set = 4-Port, 220-GHz Differential System

Sept. 3, 2024

Anritsu’s VectorStar vector network analyzer is expandable from a 70-GHz, 2-port system to one capable of 4-port differential measurements out to 220 GHz in a single sweep.

David Maliniak

Related To: Microwaves & RF

RF/microwave engineers know well the value of a vector network analyzer (VNA) on the test bench. With such instruments, one can determine the RF characteristics of either active or passive devices. It’s critical to understand the magnitude and phase characteristics of the cables, filters, attenuators, amplifiers, and converters that comprise the signal chain of a given system.

VNAs are, however, a significant investment that must be “future-proofed” to protect such an investment for any possible contingencies down the road. A 2-port VNA capable of measurements out to a given frequency range may suffice today, but next year you may find yourself wishing for greater capabilities in the form of more ports and/or higher frequencies.

That’s where something like Anritsu’s VectorStar VNAs can fit the bill. Starting with the company’s MS4604B 70-GHz mainframe VNA, users can add a 2-port test set to bring the port count to four. The test sets drive small, precise mmWave modules that make true differential measurements from 70 kHz to 220 GHz in a single sweep.

Thus, users can begin with the base mainframe VNA and its 70-GHz bandwidth. Later, if or when their test requirements change, they can upgrade the mmWave modules from 70 GHz to 110, 125, 145, or 220 GHz to account for rising frequencies. And, again, as requirements dictate, they can add a 2-port test set to go from two to four ports for differential measurements.

220-GHz VNA Measurements on Wafers

When it comes to the 220-GHz realm, most VectorStar users are making D-band and G-band measurements on wafer, according to Navneet Kataria, product marketing manager for Anritsu’s benchtop instruments. That’s thanks to the mmWave modules’ 0.6-mm coaxial interface. Users can attach wafer-level probes to the module, such as the single-ended probe with a GSG tip configuration seen in the accompanying video. These probes, available from MPI Corp., come in a variety of pitches, including 50, 75, and 100 µm.

^{>>Check out this TechXchange for similar articles and videos}

TechXchange

Vector Network Analyzers

In this TechXchange, you'll find a compendium of articles intended to help you get the most out of your VNA.

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

You can send press releases for new products for possible coverage on the website. I am also interested in receiving contributed articles for publishing on our website. Use our contributor's packet, in which you'll find an article template and lots more useful information on how to properly prepare content for us, and send to me along with a signed release form.

About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.